US20120290108A1 - Method and system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering - Google Patents
Method and system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120290108A1 US20120290108A1 US13/292,551 US201113292551A US2012290108A1 US 20120290108 A1 US20120290108 A1 US 20120290108A1 US 201113292551 A US201113292551 A US 201113292551A US 2012290108 A1 US2012290108 A1 US 2012290108A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- machine
- operating
- communication server
- software
- mmi
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/18—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
- G05B19/406—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by monitoring or safety
- G05B19/4069—Simulating machining process on screen
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B17/00—Systems involving the use of models or simulators of said systems
- G05B17/02—Systems involving the use of models or simulators of said systems electric
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/418—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS], computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
- G05B19/4185—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS], computer integrated manufacturing [CIM] characterised by the network communication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/418—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS], computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
- G05B19/41885—Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS], computer integrated manufacturing [CIM] characterised by modeling, simulation of the manufacturing system
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/32—Operator till task planning
- G05B2219/32038—Client can develop programs, parts on remote server located by manufacturer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/35—Nc in input of data, input till input file format
- G05B2219/35311—Remote simulation of machining program
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/40—Robotics, robotics mapping to robotics vision
- G05B2219/40167—Switch between simulated display of remote site, and actual display
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P90/00—Enabling technologies with a potential contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
- Y02P90/02—Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering.
- the invention further relates to a corresponding system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering, to a control device for a machine from the field of automation engineering, and to a device for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering.
- MMI software Machine-Machine Interface
- HMI software Human-Machine Interface
- the new MMI software also requires more resources (e.g. more storage space, more computing time, etc.) than the MMI software that was previously used, further time will have to be spent on the installation of more powerful hardware.
- the disadvantages cited above often discourage the more efficient machine operation offered by new MMI software, because the resulting advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages that would be incurred due to the production stoppage.
- the operating efficiency of the machine is heavily dependent on the performance characteristics of the control device of the machine.
- machines from the field of automation engineering are acquired successively over a long period, and therefore they have different performance characteristics due to the development progress of the control hardware.
- the machine operator often prefers the same MMI software to run on all of the control devices of the machines concerned, in order to allow uniformity of operation. This is often not possible in the case of older machines due to the less powerful hardware of the control devices, however, and therefore an upgrade of the hardware becomes necessary in the case of older machines.
- the present invention resolves prior art problems with a method for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering with the steps of transmitting operating inputs entered at an operating unit of the machine having a screen and an identification code via a data network to communication server software running on an external computing device, determining based on the identification code with the communication server software MMI application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs, transferring with the communication server software the operating inputs to the determined MMI application software running on the external computing device or on an additional external computing device, determining with the MMI application software visualization data on the basis of the operating inputs, with the visualization data specifying a graphical output image to be represented on the screen, transferring the visualization data to the machine via the communication server software and the data network, and representing the graphical output image on the screen based on the visualization data.
- a system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering includes an operating unit having a display screen, an external computing device running communication server software, and a control device associated with the machine and configured to transfer operating inputs entered at the operating unit and an identification code via a data network to the communication server software running on the external computing device.
- the communication server software is configured to determine, based on the identification code, MMI application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs, and to transfer the operating inputs to the associated determined MMI application software running on the external computing device or on an additional external computing device.
- the associated MMI application software is configured to determine visualization data based on the operating inputs, with the visualization data specifying a graphical output image to be represented on the display screen.
- the system is configured to transfer the visualization data via the communication server software and the data network to the control device, which is configured to represent the graphical output image on the display screen based on the visualization data.
- a control device for a machine from the field of automation engineering includes an operating unit having a display screen, an input device and a computing unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to generate control variables for controlling drives of the machine and to transfer operating inputs entered at the operating unit and an identification code to a data network.
- the computing unit is further configured to receive from the data network visualization data determined by MMI application software based on the operating inputs, wherein the visualization data specifies a graphical output image to be represented on the display screen.
- the computing unit is further configured to determine the graphical output image based on the visualization data, and the control device is configured to represent the graphical output image on the display screen based on the visualization data.
- a device for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering includes communication server software and MMI application software running on the device, wherein the communication server software is configured to receive via a data network operating inputs entered at an operating unit of the machine and an identification code.
- the communication server software is further configured to determine, based on the identification code, MMI application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs and to transfer the operating inputs to the determined MMI application software running on the external computing device or on an additional external computing device.
- the MMI application software is configured to determine visualization data based on the operating inputs, with the visualization data specifying a graphical output image to be represented on the display screen.
- the device is configured to transfer the visualization data via the communication server software and the data network to the machine.
- the operating inputs and the identification code may be transferred by using client software running on the machine via a data network to the communication server software running on an external computing device or on a further external computing device.
- client software running on the machine via a data network
- the communication server software running on an external computing device or on a further external computing device.
- the visualization data may be transferred to the machine via the communication server software and the data network, wherein client software running on the machine determines the graphical output image on the basis of the visualization data, and wherein the graphical output image is represented on the screen.
- client software running on the machine determines the graphical output image on the basis of the visualization data, and wherein the graphical output image is represented on the screen.
- the output image can then be particularly easily determined.
- the MMI application software may be used for simulating production sequences of the machine, or the MMI application software may be used for changing part programs, or the MMI application software may be used for diagnosing the machine, or the MMI application software may be used for monitoring the machine.
- the developments of the MMI application software described above represent conventional embodiments of MMI application software.
- the machine from the field of automation engineering may be implemented in form of a machine tool, a production machine and/or a robot.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a method and a system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a method and a system according to the invention for operating a machine 12 from the field of automation engineering.
- the machine 12 is designed as a machine tool.
- the machine 12 has a control device 7 , which takes the form of a CNC controller (Computer Numerical Control) in the context of the exemplary embodiment.
- the control device 7 has an operating unit 1 , by means of which the machine 12 can be operated by an operator locally at the machine.
- the operating unit 1 has input means 20 , which take the form of the buttons shown in the context of the exemplary embodiment, and a screen 21 .
- the control device 7 also has a computing unit 2 , which is connected via a connection 4 to the operating unit 1 for the purpose of transferring data.
- the computing unit 2 has one or more processors, which are used to run client software 3 , MMI core software 5 and control software 6 .
- the processors can be arranged on a single electrical assembly or on a plurality of electrical assemblies in this case. It should be noted at this point that software other than that which is specified in FIG. 1 can obviously also run on the computing unit 2 , wherein for the sake of clarity only that software which is essential to the understanding of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- control software 6 is used for determining e.g. control variables such as e.g. reference variables for controlling drives 11 of the machine, these being used to move machine elements of the machine 12 , such as e.g. a tool spindle and/or a machine table.
- control device 7 and in particular the computing unit 2 is connected to the drives 11 via a connection 19 for the purpose of controlling the drives 11 .
- MMI core software 5 runs on the computing unit 2 , preferably allowing only rudimentary operation (i.e. basic operation) of the machine.
- the MMI core software can therefore be used to move the machine axles of the machine 12 and, for manufacturing, to start e.g. a part program for manufacturing a workpiece.
- the MMI core software can consist of the initial version of the MMI software, which was installed on the computing unit 2 when the machine 12 was first commissioned.
- the fundamental idea of the invention consists in providing e.g. desired extended and/or improved operating functionalities in the form of MMI application software, wherein this runs on an external computing device, such that the operating functionalities of the machine 12 can be extended as desired without e.g. increasing the demand for computing time and/or storage space that is required by the computing unit 2 to perform the operating functionalities of the machine.
- the control device 7 (in particular the computing unit 2 ), an external computing device 13 and a further external computing device 16 are connected to a data network 9 for the purpose of transferring data, this being represented by double-headed arrows 8 , 10 and 15 .
- the data network 9 can exist in the form of e.g. a LAN (Local Area Network) such as e.g. a factory network, and/or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as e.g. the Internet.
- an external computing device is understood in this case to be a computing device which is not part of the machine 12 and is preferably so arranged as to be geographically remote from the machine 12 .
- the client software 3 provides an interface via which data can be transferred from the operating unit 1 and the computing unit 2 to the data network 9 and from there onwards to the external computing device 13 .
- the client software 3 can therefore e.g. transfer operating inputs, which were entered by an operator of the machine 12 using the input means 20 and the operating unit 1 , and an identification code to the data network 9 and thence to communication server software 14 running on the external computing device 13 .
- the client software 3 can transfer data coming via the data network 9 from the external computing device 13 to the computing unit 2 and the operating unit 1 .
- the inventive system has the further external computing device 16 , on which application server software 17 , the MMI application software 18 a , the MMI application software 18 b and the MMI application software 18 c run.
- the application server software 17 controls the execution of the MMI application software 18 a , 18 b and 18 c .
- the MMI application software 18 a can be e.g. simulation software for simulating production sequences of the machine
- the MMI application software 18 b can be e.g. software for diagnosing the machine
- the MMI application software 18 c can be e.g. software for changing part programs.
- many more than the three illustrated MMI application software examples can run on the external computing device 16 .
- the MMI application software is used to extend and improve and/or increase the efficiency of the MMI core software 5 . Depending on the number of different MMI application software types, more or less extensive and convenient operation of the machine becomes possible.
- an MMI application software type e.g. simulation software for simulating production sequences
- the relevant MMI application software is then assigned to a specific machine in each case.
- the further machines that might be present in addition to the machine 12 are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 and denoted by the reference number 23 .
- an identification code and possibly further data are transferred from the computing unit 2 via the data network 9 to the communication server software 14 running on the external computing device 13 .
- the communication server software 14 determines the MMI application software which is associated with the computing unit 2 , and hence with the machine 12 and the operating inputs, and for which the operating inputs and the data are intended. In the context of the exemplary embodiment, this is determined by the communication server software 14 with reference to a table, in which the designation of the MMI application software that is associated with the respective identification code is stored for existing identification codes.
- An identification code can consist of e.g. the internationally unique allocated serial number of the control device 7 and a code which specifies the MMI application software for which the operating inputs and data are intended.
- the communication server software 14 transfers the operating inputs and data via the data network 9 to that MMI application software which is running on the further external computing device 16 and is associated with the machine 12 and has been determined by the communication server software 14 .
- the MMI application software determines visualization data which specifies a graphical output image that is to be represented on the screen 21 .
- the visualization data does not therefore consist solely of e.g. numerical values that are to be represented on the screen 21 , but also contains information relating to how the graphical output image is to appear on the screen 21 for the operator.
- the visualization data therefore describes the graphical output image that is to be represented on the screen 21 .
- the MMI application software determines not only data that specifies e.g. the current position that must be represented for a machine table of the machine 12 , but also data that specifies how the graphical image displayed on the screen 21 should appear, i.e. data describing how the machine table is represented on the screen 21 , i.e. its shape and appearance.
- the visualization data preferably also includes the data for correctly displaying on the screen 21 the mouse pointer that can be moved using the computer mouse.
- the input means of the operating unit 1 comprise e.g. a computer mouse
- the visualization data preferably also includes the data for correctly displaying on the screen 21 the mouse pointer that can be moved using the computer mouse.
- the input means of the operating unit 1 comprise e.g. a computer mouse
- the visualization data is transferred from the MMI application software via the communication server software 14 and the data network 9 to the machine 12 , wherein the client software 3 determines the graphical output image on the basis of the visualization data and outputs it to the screen 21 of the operating unit 1 , such that the graphical output image is represented on the screen 21 .
- the external computing device and/or the further external computing device can be installed on the premises of the manufacturer of the machine from the field of automation engineering or on the premises of the manufacturer of the control device 7 , for example.
- the external computing device 13 and the further external computing device 16 can be provided in the form of a single computer or a plurality of interconnected computers, for example.
- An operator of the machine 12 is no longer satisfied with the operating functionality that is offered by the MMI core software 5 and wishes to supplement this with simulation software for simulating production sequences of the machine, such that e.g. before execution of a part program which controls the movement of a tool, the movement process can be simulated and displayed to the operator on the screen 21 .
- the MMI application software 18 a which allows the desired simulation of production sequences of the machine, onto the further external computing device 16 , wherein this runs under the control of the application server software 17 on the further external computing device 16 .
- the MMI core software 5 and possibly the client software 3 are then adapted slightly, e.g. by means of modified parameters, such that they know that MMI application software 18 a is available for simulating production sequences.
- the operating inputs of the operator i.e. the input data that is generated by the operator
- an identification code which contains the information that indicates the control device and hence the machine concerned and indicates the MMI application software for which the operating inputs are intended
- the latter uses the identification code as a means of determining the associated desired simulation software for the machine 12 and for the control device 7 in particular, i.e. the MMI application software 18 a in this exemplary embodiment.
- the operating inputs are then transferred from the communication server software 14 to the MMI application software 18 a.
- Data that is required for the simulation e.g. reference variables which are generated by the control software 6 for controlling the drives 11 and/or clamping means that are used for clamping the workpiece etc.
- the MMI application software 18 a then simulates the production sequence and transfers visualization data as a result, said visualization data specifying the graphical output image that is to be represented on the screen 21 , via the communication server software 14 to the client software 3 of the control device 7 , which determines the graphical output image from the visualization data.
- the graphical output image is then represented on the screen 21 .
- the visualization data effectively takes the form of an image data stream which is displayed on the screen 21 by the client software 3 .
- the further external computing device 16 for realization of the invention is not essential, and that the MMI application software 18 a , 18 b and 18 c and the application server software 17 can instead also run on the external computing device 13 alongside the communication server software 14 , as illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 1 .
- the MMI application software that is assigned to the machines in each case can run on the external computing device 13 or the further external computing device 16 . Since the identification code allows unambiguous identification of the control device 7 , the relevant MMI application software can be assigned to its respectively associated control device 7 .
- the machines in this case are connected via the data network 9 to the external computing device 12 and in particular to the communication server software 14 . If a plurality of machines is present, the invention functions in a similar manner to that described above in relation to the machine 12 .
- the further machines that are optionally present are indicated by a dashed line and denoted by the reference number 23 in FIG. 1 .
- the machines 23 are connected to the data network 9 for the purpose of transferring data, this being illustrated by means of a dashed, double-headed arrow 24 .
- control device 7 The very wide variety of data required by the MMI application software to realize its functionality can be transferred by the control device 7 and in particular by the control software 6 , from the machine 12 via the communication server software 14 to the MMI application software. Therefore e.g. control variables of the machine or states of the machine (machine productive, machine non-productive) can be transferred to the MMI application software.
- the operating functionalities of the machine 12 can be extended as desired without thereby increasing the resource utilization of the machine hardware. Since the machine 12 retains MMI core software 5 running on the control device 7 , the machine manufacturing can continue even if the connection to the MMI application software is disrupted, since the MMI core software 5 ensures a core operating functionality irrespective of the availability of the MMI application software.
- the external computing device and/or the further external computing device can be e.g. part of a computer center in this case.
- This can be a computer center for a manufacturing or production facility.
- it can also be realized as a service in the form of ASP (Application Service Providing). This is particularly beneficial if the production infrastructure of the operational machines from the field of automation engineering is geographically or globally distributed.
- the external computing device 13 or the external computing device 13 in conjunction with the further external computing device 16 represent a device for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering.
- MMI application software which is to run on the external computing device 13 (or the further external computing device 16 ) and the MMI application software that is to run on the control device 2 to be distributed such that MMI application software which could cause a production failure if it were installed incorrectly runs on the external computing device 13 (or the further external computing device 16 ) and MMI application software which is likely to be non-critical in this respect runs on the control device 7 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the priority of European Patent Application, Serial No. EP10190689, filed Nov. 10, 2010, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
- The present invention relates to a method for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering. The invention further relates to a corresponding system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering, to a control device for a machine from the field of automation engineering, and to a device for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering.
- The following discussion of related art is provided to assist the reader in understanding the advantages of the invention, and is not to be construed as an admission that this related art is prior art to this invention.
- In the context of machines from the field of automation engineering, such as e.g. machine tools, production machines and/or robots, it is customary for the MMI software (Machine-Machine Interface) which allows the machine to be operated to run on the same hardware, i.e. on the same processor or processors, as the control software for the machine. In this case, the MMI software is also referred to as HMI software (Human-Machine Interface) in a technical context. This means that any upgrade that is required in respect of the MMI software generally requires a shutdown of the machine. Therefore, if new MMI software is to be installed on the control device of the machine, the new MMI software has to be installed on the control device by an operator of the machine, in particular by an installation technician. For this, it is usually necessary to shut down the machine for the duration of the upgrade process as mentioned previously. During the upgrade process, it is not generally possible to operate the machine via the MMI software. If the machine is part of a production chain, an upgrade of the MMI software can therefore signify a complete production stoppage. If the upgrade is not successful, additional machine downtime will be required in order to de-install the MMI software upgrade.
- If the new MMI software also requires more resources (e.g. more storage space, more computing time, etc.) than the MMI software that was previously used, further time will have to be spent on the installation of more powerful hardware. The disadvantages cited above often discourage the more efficient machine operation offered by new MMI software, because the resulting advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages that would be incurred due to the production stoppage.
- When the MMI software is in use, the operating efficiency of the machine is heavily dependent on the performance characteristics of the control device of the machine. However, machines from the field of automation engineering are acquired successively over a long period, and therefore they have different performance characteristics due to the development progress of the control hardware. However, the machine operator often prefers the same MMI software to run on all of the control devices of the machines concerned, in order to allow uniformity of operation. This is often not possible in the case of older machines due to the less powerful hardware of the control devices, however, and therefore an upgrade of the hardware becomes necessary in the case of older machines.
- It should be noted at this point that the term “operate” is also understood to mean “monitor” and “manage” in the context of the present application.
- It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to obviate prior art shortcomings and to provide an improved method for improving the performance characteristics relative to the operation of a machine from the field of automation engineering, without increasing the demands on the hardware of the machine.
- According to one aspect of the invention, the present invention resolves prior art problems with a method for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering with the steps of transmitting operating inputs entered at an operating unit of the machine having a screen and an identification code via a data network to communication server software running on an external computing device, determining based on the identification code with the communication server software MMI application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs, transferring with the communication server software the operating inputs to the determined MMI application software running on the external computing device or on an additional external computing device, determining with the MMI application software visualization data on the basis of the operating inputs, with the visualization data specifying a graphical output image to be represented on the screen, transferring the visualization data to the machine via the communication server software and the data network, and representing the graphical output image on the screen based on the visualization data.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering includes an operating unit having a display screen, an external computing device running communication server software, and a control device associated with the machine and configured to transfer operating inputs entered at the operating unit and an identification code via a data network to the communication server software running on the external computing device. The communication server software is configured to determine, based on the identification code, MMI application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs, and to transfer the operating inputs to the associated determined MMI application software running on the external computing device or on an additional external computing device. The associated MMI application software is configured to determine visualization data based on the operating inputs, with the visualization data specifying a graphical output image to be represented on the display screen. The system is configured to transfer the visualization data via the communication server software and the data network to the control device, which is configured to represent the graphical output image on the display screen based on the visualization data.
- According to yet another aspect of the invention, a control device for a machine from the field of automation engineering includes an operating unit having a display screen, an input device and a computing unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to generate control variables for controlling drives of the machine and to transfer operating inputs entered at the operating unit and an identification code to a data network. The computing unit is further configured to receive from the data network visualization data determined by MMI application software based on the operating inputs, wherein the visualization data specifies a graphical output image to be represented on the display screen. The computing unit is further configured to determine the graphical output image based on the visualization data, and the control device is configured to represent the graphical output image on the display screen based on the visualization data.
- According to still another aspect of the invention, a device for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering includes communication server software and MMI application software running on the device, wherein the communication server software is configured to receive via a data network operating inputs entered at an operating unit of the machine and an identification code. The communication server software is further configured to determine, based on the identification code, MMI application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs and to transfer the operating inputs to the determined MMI application software running on the external computing device or on an additional external computing device. The MMI application software is configured to determine visualization data based on the operating inputs, with the visualization data specifying a graphical output image to be represented on the display screen. The device is configured to transfer the visualization data via the communication server software and the data network to the machine.
- Advantageous embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features.
- According to one advantageous feature of the present invention, the operating inputs and the identification code may be transferred by using client software running on the machine via a data network to the communication server software running on an external computing device or on a further external computing device. As a result of using client software, the machine from the field of automation engineering can be linked to the data network in a particularly simple manner.
- According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, the visualization data may be transferred to the machine via the communication server software and the data network, wherein client software running on the machine determines the graphical output image on the basis of the visualization data, and wherein the graphical output image is represented on the screen. The output image can then be particularly easily determined.
- According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, the MMI application software may be used for simulating production sequences of the machine, or the MMI application software may be used for changing part programs, or the MMI application software may be used for diagnosing the machine, or the MMI application software may be used for monitoring the machine. The developments of the MMI application software described above represent conventional embodiments of MMI application software.
- The machine from the field of automation engineering may be implemented in form of a machine tool, a production machine and/or a robot.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a method and a system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering according to the present invention. - The same or corresponding elements may generally be indicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It should also be understood that the FIGURE is not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.
- Turning now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a method and a system according to the invention for operating amachine 12 from the field of automation engineering. In the context of the exemplary embodiment, themachine 12 is designed as a machine tool. Themachine 12 has a control device 7, which takes the form of a CNC controller (Computer Numerical Control) in the context of the exemplary embodiment. The control device 7 has an operating unit 1, by means of which themachine 12 can be operated by an operator locally at the machine. For the purpose of operating the machine, the operating unit 1 has input means 20, which take the form of the buttons shown in the context of the exemplary embodiment, and ascreen 21. The control device 7 also has acomputing unit 2, which is connected via aconnection 4 to the operating unit 1 for the purpose of transferring data. Thecomputing unit 2 has one or more processors, which are used to runclient software 3,MMI core software 5 andcontrol software 6. The processors can be arranged on a single electrical assembly or on a plurality of electrical assemblies in this case. It should be noted at this point that software other than that which is specified inFIG. 1 can obviously also run on thecomputing unit 2, wherein for the sake of clarity only that software which is essential to the understanding of the invention is illustrated inFIG. 1 . - In this case, the
control software 6 is used for determining e.g. control variables such as e.g. reference variables for controllingdrives 11 of the machine, these being used to move machine elements of themachine 12, such as e.g. a tool spindle and/or a machine table. The control device 7 and in particular thecomputing unit 2 is connected to thedrives 11 via aconnection 19 for the purpose of controlling thedrives 11. - Unlike conventional control devices, instead of comprehensive MMI software (Man-Machine Interface) which allows sophisticated and efficient operation of the
machine 12, only MMIcore software 5 runs on thecomputing unit 2, preferably allowing only rudimentary operation (i.e. basic operation) of the machine. In the context of the exemplary embodiment, the MMI core software can therefore be used to move the machine axles of themachine 12 and, for manufacturing, to start e.g. a part program for manufacturing a workpiece. For example, the MMI core software can consist of the initial version of the MMI software, which was installed on thecomputing unit 2 when themachine 12 was first commissioned. - The fundamental idea of the invention consists in providing e.g. desired extended and/or improved operating functionalities in the form of MMI application software, wherein this runs on an external computing device, such that the operating functionalities of the
machine 12 can be extended as desired without e.g. increasing the demand for computing time and/or storage space that is required by thecomputing unit 2 to perform the operating functionalities of the machine. - The control device 7 (in particular the computing unit 2), an
external computing device 13 and a furtherexternal computing device 16 are connected to adata network 9 for the purpose of transferring data, this being represented by double-headedarrows data network 9 can exist in the form of e.g. a LAN (Local Area Network) such as e.g. a factory network, and/or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as e.g. the Internet. In the context of the present invention, an external computing device is understood in this case to be a computing device which is not part of themachine 12 and is preferably so arranged as to be geographically remote from themachine 12. - The
client software 3 provides an interface via which data can be transferred from the operating unit 1 and thecomputing unit 2 to thedata network 9 and from there onwards to theexternal computing device 13. Theclient software 3 can therefore e.g. transfer operating inputs, which were entered by an operator of themachine 12 using the input means 20 and the operating unit 1, and an identification code to thedata network 9 and thence tocommunication server software 14 running on theexternal computing device 13. Furthermore, theclient software 3 can transfer data coming via thedata network 9 from theexternal computing device 13 to thecomputing unit 2 and the operating unit 1. - In the context of the exemplary embodiment, the inventive system has the further
external computing device 16, on whichapplication server software 17, theMMI application software 18 a, theMMI application software 18 b and theMMI application software 18 c run. In this case, theapplication server software 17 controls the execution of theMMI application software MMI application software 18 a can be e.g. simulation software for simulating production sequences of the machine, theMMI application software 18 b can be e.g. software for diagnosing the machine, and theMMI application software 18 c can be e.g. software for changing part programs. Naturally, many more than the three illustrated MMI application software examples can run on theexternal computing device 16. The MMI application software is used to extend and improve and/or increase the efficiency of theMMI core software 5. Depending on the number of different MMI application software types, more or less extensive and convenient operation of the machine becomes possible. - If there is a plurality of machines from the field of automation engineering in this case, an MMI application software type (e.g. simulation software for simulating production sequences) can be present more than once on the further
external computing device 16 and be effectively executed in parallel by the external computing device. The relevant MMI application software is then assigned to a specific machine in each case. The further machines that might be present in addition to themachine 12 are indicated by dashed lines inFIG. 1 and denoted by thereference number 23. - Operating inputs that have been submitted by an operator of the
machine 12 using the input means 20, an identification code and possibly further data are transferred from thecomputing unit 2 via thedata network 9 to thecommunication server software 14 running on theexternal computing device 13. On the basis of the identification code, thecommunication server software 14 determines the MMI application software which is associated with thecomputing unit 2, and hence with themachine 12 and the operating inputs, and for which the operating inputs and the data are intended. In the context of the exemplary embodiment, this is determined by thecommunication server software 14 with reference to a table, in which the designation of the MMI application software that is associated with the respective identification code is stored for existing identification codes. An identification code can consist of e.g. the internationally unique allocated serial number of the control device 7 and a code which specifies the MMI application software for which the operating inputs and data are intended. - The
communication server software 14 transfers the operating inputs and data via thedata network 9 to that MMI application software which is running on the furtherexternal computing device 16 and is associated with themachine 12 and has been determined by thecommunication server software 14. On the basis of the operating inputs, the MMI application software determines visualization data which specifies a graphical output image that is to be represented on thescreen 21. The visualization data does not therefore consist solely of e.g. numerical values that are to be represented on thescreen 21, but also contains information relating to how the graphical output image is to appear on thescreen 21 for the operator. The visualization data therefore describes the graphical output image that is to be represented on thescreen 21. If the MMI application software is software for simulating production sequences of the machine, for example, the MMI application software determines not only data that specifies e.g. the current position that must be represented for a machine table of themachine 12, but also data that specifies how the graphical image displayed on thescreen 21 should appear, i.e. data describing how the machine table is represented on thescreen 21, i.e. its shape and appearance. - It should be noted at this point that if the input means of the operating unit 1 comprise e.g. a computer mouse, the visualization data preferably also includes the data for correctly displaying on the
screen 21 the mouse pointer that can be moved using the computer mouse. Corresponding provision applies likewise to other input devices. - Finally, the visualization data is transferred from the MMI application software via the
communication server software 14 and thedata network 9 to themachine 12, wherein theclient software 3 determines the graphical output image on the basis of the visualization data and outputs it to thescreen 21 of the operating unit 1, such that the graphical output image is represented on thescreen 21. - The external computing device and/or the further external computing device can be installed on the premises of the manufacturer of the machine from the field of automation engineering or on the premises of the manufacturer of the control device 7, for example. In this case, the
external computing device 13 and the furtherexternal computing device 16 can be provided in the form of a single computer or a plurality of interconnected computers, for example. - The inventive method is further explained below with reference to a specific example.
- An operator of the
machine 12 is no longer satisfied with the operating functionality that is offered by theMMI core software 5 and wishes to supplement this with simulation software for simulating production sequences of the machine, such that e.g. before execution of a part program which controls the movement of a tool, the movement process can be simulated and displayed to the operator on thescreen 21. According to the invention, unlike the prior art in which new MMI software that is supplemented by simulation software is loaded onto thecomputing unit 2, provision is instead now made for loading e.g. theMMI application software 18 a, which allows the desired simulation of production sequences of the machine, onto the furtherexternal computing device 16, wherein this runs under the control of theapplication server software 17 on the furtherexternal computing device 16. TheMMI core software 5 and possibly theclient software 3 are then adapted slightly, e.g. by means of modified parameters, such that they know thatMMI application software 18 a is available for simulating production sequences. - If the operator selects the simulation functionality, e.g. by invoking a corresponding menu in the operating unit 1 via the input means 20, the operating inputs of the operator (i.e. the input data that is generated by the operator) and an identification code, which contains the information that indicates the control device and hence the machine concerned and indicates the MMI application software for which the operating inputs are intended, are transferred to the
communication server software 14. The latter uses the identification code as a means of determining the associated desired simulation software for themachine 12 and for the control device 7 in particular, i.e. theMMI application software 18 a in this exemplary embodiment. The operating inputs are then transferred from thecommunication server software 14 to theMMI application software 18 a. - Data that is required for the simulation, e.g. reference variables which are generated by the
control software 6 for controlling thedrives 11 and/or clamping means that are used for clamping the workpiece etc., is also transferred by themachine 12 and in particular by the control device 7 and in particular by thecomputing unit 2, from themachine 12 via thecommunication server software 14 to theMMI application software 18 a. TheMMI application software 18 a then simulates the production sequence and transfers visualization data as a result, said visualization data specifying the graphical output image that is to be represented on thescreen 21, via thecommunication server software 14 to theclient software 3 of the control device 7, which determines the graphical output image from the visualization data. The graphical output image is then represented on thescreen 21. The visualization data effectively takes the form of an image data stream which is displayed on thescreen 21 by theclient software 3. - it should be noted at this point that the further
external computing device 16 for realization of the invention is not essential, and that theMMI application software application server software 17 can instead also run on theexternal computing device 13 alongside thecommunication server software 14, as illustrated by a dashed line inFIG. 1 . - In this case, if a plurality of machines from the field of automation engineering is present, the MMI application software that is assigned to the machines in each case can run on the
external computing device 13 or the furtherexternal computing device 16. Since the identification code allows unambiguous identification of the control device 7, the relevant MMI application software can be assigned to its respectively associated control device 7. Like themachine 12, the machines in this case are connected via thedata network 9 to theexternal computing device 12 and in particular to thecommunication server software 14. If a plurality of machines is present, the invention functions in a similar manner to that described above in relation to themachine 12. The further machines that are optionally present are indicated by a dashed line and denoted by thereference number 23 inFIG. 1 . Themachines 23 are connected to thedata network 9 for the purpose of transferring data, this being illustrated by means of a dashed, double-headedarrow 24. - The very wide variety of data required by the MMI application software to realize its functionality can be transferred by the control device 7 and in particular by the
control software 6, from themachine 12 via thecommunication server software 14 to the MMI application software. Therefore e.g. control variables of the machine or states of the machine (machine productive, machine non-productive) can be transferred to the MMI application software. - By virtue of the invention, the operating functionalities of the
machine 12 can be extended as desired without thereby increasing the resource utilization of the machine hardware. Since themachine 12 retainsMMI core software 5 running on the control device 7, the machine manufacturing can continue even if the connection to the MMI application software is disrupted, since theMMI core software 5 ensures a core operating functionality irrespective of the availability of the MMI application software. - The external computing device and/or the further external computing device can be e.g. part of a computer center in this case. This can be a computer center for a manufacturing or production facility. However, it can also be realized as a service in the form of ASP (Application Service Providing). This is particularly beneficial if the production infrastructure of the operational machines from the field of automation engineering is geographically or globally distributed.
- The
external computing device 13 or theexternal computing device 13 in conjunction with the furtherexternal computing device 16 represent a device for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering. - If at least part of the MMI application software is also to run in the
machine 12 and in particular on thecomputing unit 2, either as a component of the MMI core software or in addition to the MMI core software, it is preferable for MMI application software which is to run on the external computing device 13 (or the further external computing device 16) and the MMI application software that is to run on thecontrol device 2 to be distributed such that MMI application software which could cause a production failure if it were installed incorrectly runs on the external computing device 13 (or the further external computing device 16) and MMI application software which is likely to be non-critical in this respect runs on the control device 7. - While the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims and includes equivalents of the elements recited therein:
Claims (8)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10190689 | 2010-11-10 | ||
EP10190689.9A EP2453326B1 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2010-11-10 | Method and system for operating an automated machine |
EPEP10190689 | 2010-11-10 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120290108A1 true US20120290108A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
US9122269B2 US9122269B2 (en) | 2015-09-01 |
Family
ID=43638870
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/292,551 Active 2033-03-21 US9122269B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2011-11-09 | Method and system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9122269B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2453326B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102467108B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105706009A (en) * | 2013-07-30 | 2016-06-22 | 德玛吉森有限公司 | Control system for controlling operation of a numerically controlled machine tool, and back-end and front-end control devices for use in such system |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9565275B2 (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2017-02-07 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Transformation of industrial data into useful cloud information |
US9477936B2 (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2016-10-25 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Cloud-based operator interface for industrial automation |
US9703902B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2017-07-11 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data for industrial simulation |
US9786197B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2017-10-10 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data to facilitate enhancing performance in connection with an industrial automation system |
US9989958B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2018-06-05 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data for virtualization of an industrial automation environment |
US9438648B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2016-09-06 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Industrial data analytics in a cloud platform |
US9709978B2 (en) * | 2013-05-09 | 2017-07-18 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Using cloud-based data for virtualization of an industrial automation environment with information overlays |
US10026049B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2018-07-17 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Risk assessment for industrial systems using big data |
US11513477B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2022-11-29 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Cloud-based industrial controller |
US11243505B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2022-02-08 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Cloud-based analytics for industrial automation |
US10496061B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2019-12-03 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Modeling of an industrial automation environment in the cloud |
US11042131B2 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2021-06-22 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Backup of an industrial automation plant in the cloud |
EP3070552B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2021-10-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Linking an automation device to a data processing system |
AT522653A1 (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2020-12-15 | Wittmann Kunststoffgeraete | Process for the representation and operation of means of production, especially for the plastics processing industry |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6282699B1 (en) * | 1999-02-23 | 2001-08-28 | National Instruments Corporation | Code node for a graphical programming system which invokes execution of textual code |
US20030033130A1 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2003-02-13 | Tsutomu Hara | Method and system for simulating processing condition of sample |
US7159183B1 (en) * | 1999-08-19 | 2007-01-02 | National Instruments Corporation | System and method for programmatically creating a graphical program |
US7539547B2 (en) * | 2004-10-19 | 2009-05-26 | Demag Ergotech Gmbh | Plastics processing machine |
US7640291B2 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2009-12-29 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Agent-equipped controller having data table interface between agent-type programming and non-agent-type programming |
US7853645B2 (en) * | 1997-10-07 | 2010-12-14 | Roy-G-Biv Corporation | Remote generation and distribution of command programs for programmable devices |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10140969A1 (en) * | 2001-08-27 | 2003-03-27 | Pa Power Automation Ag | CNC control using a control interface based on an HTML server with a user connecting to the server via a client type interface with an HTML shell and appropriate applets |
DE102005047543A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Siemens Ag | Controller and/or machine behavior simulating method for tool or production machine, involves automatically transferring data over tool or production machine from machine to simulation device using intranet and/or internet |
DE112007003507A5 (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2010-02-18 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Device for creating machining programs for a processing machine |
-
2010
- 2010-11-10 EP EP10190689.9A patent/EP2453326B1/en active Active
-
2011
- 2011-11-01 CN CN201110340536.4A patent/CN102467108B/en active Active
- 2011-11-09 US US13/292,551 patent/US9122269B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7853645B2 (en) * | 1997-10-07 | 2010-12-14 | Roy-G-Biv Corporation | Remote generation and distribution of command programs for programmable devices |
US6282699B1 (en) * | 1999-02-23 | 2001-08-28 | National Instruments Corporation | Code node for a graphical programming system which invokes execution of textual code |
US7159183B1 (en) * | 1999-08-19 | 2007-01-02 | National Instruments Corporation | System and method for programmatically creating a graphical program |
US20030033130A1 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2003-02-13 | Tsutomu Hara | Method and system for simulating processing condition of sample |
US7640291B2 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2009-12-29 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Agent-equipped controller having data table interface between agent-type programming and non-agent-type programming |
US7539547B2 (en) * | 2004-10-19 | 2009-05-26 | Demag Ergotech Gmbh | Plastics processing machine |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105706009A (en) * | 2013-07-30 | 2016-06-22 | 德玛吉森有限公司 | Control system for controlling operation of a numerically controlled machine tool, and back-end and front-end control devices for use in such system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN102467108B (en) | 2015-10-21 |
EP2453326A1 (en) | 2012-05-16 |
US9122269B2 (en) | 2015-09-01 |
EP2453326B1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
CN102467108A (en) | 2012-05-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9122269B2 (en) | Method and system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering | |
JP6549748B2 (en) | Process control configuration method, process control configuration system, and software system | |
US7302676B2 (en) | Method for debugging flowchart programs for industrial controllers | |
CN104808592A (en) | Numerical control system based on virtual upper computer | |
US9684299B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for managing machine tool information for heterogeneous numerical control devices | |
CN107229462B (en) | HMI system | |
CA2858054A1 (en) | Systems and methods for batch device commissioning and decommissioning | |
CN111797521A (en) | Three-dimensional simulation debugging and monitoring method for automatic production line | |
JP2018114576A (en) | Off-line programming device and position parameter correction method | |
CN107295810B (en) | Engineering tools | |
US20010037362A1 (en) | Automation system for solving a technical-process task and corresponding method | |
US20120110489A1 (en) | Dynamic loading of device feature specific graphical user interface presentations | |
JP2004280299A (en) | Controller, developing device and system | |
JP5210146B2 (en) | Information control system and information control method | |
KR20090014072A (en) | Virtual factory automatoin system | |
CN104932467A (en) | Method for controlling program-controlled equipment in centralized way | |
US20080262652A1 (en) | Method for an Industrial Robot | |
US20190081864A1 (en) | Gateway and method of determining machines to be networked at gateway | |
US20180307201A1 (en) | System and method for creating a human-machine interface | |
US11762364B2 (en) | Automated programming of a programmable-logic controller (PLC) of a microcontroller using an expert system | |
EP4328681A1 (en) | Method and system for managing technical installation during occurrence of error state in a controller | |
CN110312975A (en) | The product of closed circuit | |
US11803376B2 (en) | Programming support apparatus for developing a user program to be executed by a programmable logic controller | |
EP4270121A1 (en) | Method and system for seamless transition of runtime system from controller device to digitalization platform | |
EP4254098A1 (en) | Controlling an automation system comprising a plurality of machines |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOLF, EDGAR;REEL/FRAME:027569/0663 Effective date: 20111117 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |